I have stained moose and caribou antlers with Knoblochs #1 & #2 stains. What is a good method for permanatly staining with these water based stains without worry of water touching and causing the stain to bleed off the antlers. I also do not want to add a unrealistic shine to the antlers/horns. Are there better stains than water based that you do not have to seal/cure? I have tried finishing horn wax after staining, but the stain is still easily removed with a damp cloth! How can I fix this?
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I use flat white ext. house paint as a base coat if the antlers are weathered, then apply minwax wood stain. Try combinations of different colors, and drying times. wiping off excess at different times during the drying period, also using laquer thinner to wipe off excess as needed. It takes some experimenting and practice to get the result you need. It does work great. If done right you can't tell they were ever colored. Even the badly weather checked ones. Seal in a matt finish urathane, as the urathane is drying. I even apply a little dry dusty dirt (Dust)on the bases and part way up so it doesn't look to perfect. Brush 90 persent of it off. You don't want dirt to hang on it.It helps give it a more natural look, because even with a matt finish it still has to much sheen to my liking. Good luck
Thank you Dean for your response. I will definatley give it a try. Sounds more time consuming, but I know quality should never be sacrificed for time! Thanks!